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The House of Tongues
The author of the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series leads us on a dark journey of generational horror as we visit The House of Tongues.
David Player has spent thirty years trying to forget the traumas of his childhood. The threats, the kidnappings, the murders. The imagined curses of a people born centuries earlier, passed from father to son, mother to daughter, generation to generation. Its climax came in human form, a monster of a man, one of the most notorious serial killers the nation has ever seen: Pee Wee Gaskins. And Gaskins had a particular hatred for the Player family, then for David, himself, who barely escaped those years with his own life intact.
Now David is back, his four children in tow, visiting his parents' home, a place he has learned to cherish despite the evils that haunted his younger days. But no sooner does he return than a stranger visits their doorstep, the son of Pee Wee Gaskins. In a terrifying display, right in front of the kids, the man utters threats until he chokes on his own tongue, sparking a series of events that drag David and his family back into the days of curses and murders, onto a path of unimaginable terror. That path leads to an old gothic tower in the woods, a place David had blocked from his memory, a house of horrors both past and present. The House of Tongues.
David Player has spent thirty years trying to forget the traumas of his childhood. The threats, the kidnappings, the murders. The imagined curses of a people born centuries earlier, passed from father to son, mother to daughter, generation to generation. Its climax came in human form, a monster of a man, one of the most notorious serial killers the nation has ever seen: Pee Wee Gaskins. And Gaskins had a particular hatred for the Player family, then for David, himself, who barely escaped those years with his own life intact.
Now David is back, his four children in tow, visiting his parents' home, a place he has learned to cherish despite the evils that haunted his younger days. But no sooner does he return than a stranger visits their doorstep, the son of Pee Wee Gaskins. In a terrifying display, right in front of the kids, the man utters threats until he chokes on his own tongue, sparking a series of events that drag David and his family back into the days of curses and murders, onto a path of unimaginable terror. That path leads to an old gothic tower in the woods, a place David had blocked from his memory, a house of horrors both past and present. The House of Tongues.
Audiobook
Published October 21, 2021
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About the author
James Dashner
137 books36.1k followersJames is the author of THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy and THE 13TH REALITY series. He also published a series (beginning with A DOOR IN THE WOODS) with a small publisher several years ago. He lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 29, 2022
Whew, when you talk about generational curses, this was not what anybody had in mind. In this horror read, two families are entwined in a 200-year-old curse/pact. Why these people kept producing children knowing the outcome is beyond me, but here we are 200 years later. Poor David gets the crap end of the stick, being clueless all the way to the end. A wonderful horror story with likeable characters. Well, except the fathers. They sucked. Recommend!
October 19, 2021
I enjoyed this solid dual-timeline story, mixing horror and mystery through generations.
South Carolina 2017, the story is told by David at forty-four years old. It all began in 1989, when he and his best friend Andrea were walking through the woods following an abandoned railroad track. They heard something, but with curiosity crept closer and closer and witnessed a gruesome killing. If you're wondering, this isn't a YA book. Details are there, sight, sound, and scent. 😨 The story alternates back and forth between past and present, a gripping plot that will keep you guessing.
The audio done by Malcolm Hillgartner was perfect for David. I've only listened to Hillgartner's non-fiction narration before this and he's very good with both.
Thank you Tantor Audio and NG for the audio ARC.
Available Oct 21, 2021.
South Carolina 2017, the story is told by David at forty-four years old. It all began in 1989, when he and his best friend Andrea were walking through the woods following an abandoned railroad track. They heard something, but with curiosity crept closer and closer and witnessed a gruesome killing. If you're wondering, this isn't a YA book. Details are there, sight, sound, and scent. 😨 The story alternates back and forth between past and present, a gripping plot that will keep you guessing.
The audio done by Malcolm Hillgartner was perfect for David. I've only listened to Hillgartner's non-fiction narration before this and he's very good with both.
Thank you Tantor Audio and NG for the audio ARC.
Available Oct 21, 2021.
May 1, 2023
David Player lleva 30 años intentando olvidar los traumas de su infancia. Las amenazas, los secuestros, los asesinatos. Las maldiciones imaginarias de un pueblo nacido siglos antes, pasaron de padre a hijo, de madre a hija, de generación en generación.
Su clímax llegó en forma humana, nada más que la forma, un monstruo de hombre, uno de los asesinos en serie más notorios que la nación haya visto jamás: Pee Wee Gaskins.
Gaskins tenía un odio particular por la familia Player, luego por el mismo David, quien apenas escapó de esos años con su propia vida intacta.
Ahora David está de regreso, con sus cuatro hijos a cuestas, visitando la casa de sus padres, un lugar que ha aprendido a apreciar a pesar de los males que lo acecharon en su juventud. Pero apenas regresa, un extraño visita su puerta, el hijo de Gaskins.
En una exhibición aterradora, justo en frente de los niños, el hombre lanza amenazas hasta que se atraganta con su propia lengua.
Desencadenando una serie de eventos que arrastran a David y su familia a los oscuros días de maldiciones y asesinatos, a un camino de terror inimaginable.
Un camino hacia un destino demasiado familiar..
Ese camino conduce a una antigua torre gótica en el bosque, un lugar que había bloqueado de su memoria.
Una a casa de horrores tanto del pasado como del presente. "La Casa de las Lenguas".
Una historia interesante con un ritmo bueno y escenas de escalofríos. Narrado a dos tiempo entre pasado y presente.
Espeluznante y atmosférico desde el principio. Dashner crea un elenco de personajes con un cierto desorden.
Desde la loca familia Gaskins que me ha parecido que sale de las entrañas de una familia de culto de la matanza de texas pasando por el protagonista, David, atormentado y traumatizado por su pasado, definitivamente te mantienen ocupado tratando de descubrir qué está pasando.
Disfruté del libro más de lo que esperaba. Iba sin expectativas.
Ideas originales, buen trasfondo, personajes adecuados y una buena dosis de horror.
El estilo de narrar del autor me tomó un tiempo para acostumbrarme. Sobretodo al principio, es muy particular, terminó gustándome.
Incluso disfruté de cómo se fue desarrollando todo siguiendo al personaje principal desde dos líneas de tiempo que al principio me daba la sensación de incordiar y quitarme de una parte para meterme en otra pero conforme avanza las dos líneas se vuelven muy entretenidas.
Una cantidad interesante de misterio junto con una cantidad aceptable de violencia, gore y caos hacen de la casa de las lenguas sea una lectura recomendable sin echar cohetes para cualquier lector de thriller o terror..✍️
Su clímax llegó en forma humana, nada más que la forma, un monstruo de hombre, uno de los asesinos en serie más notorios que la nación haya visto jamás: Pee Wee Gaskins.
Gaskins tenía un odio particular por la familia Player, luego por el mismo David, quien apenas escapó de esos años con su propia vida intacta.
Ahora David está de regreso, con sus cuatro hijos a cuestas, visitando la casa de sus padres, un lugar que ha aprendido a apreciar a pesar de los males que lo acecharon en su juventud. Pero apenas regresa, un extraño visita su puerta, el hijo de Gaskins.
En una exhibición aterradora, justo en frente de los niños, el hombre lanza amenazas hasta que se atraganta con su propia lengua.
Desencadenando una serie de eventos que arrastran a David y su familia a los oscuros días de maldiciones y asesinatos, a un camino de terror inimaginable.
Un camino hacia un destino demasiado familiar..
Ese camino conduce a una antigua torre gótica en el bosque, un lugar que había bloqueado de su memoria.
Una a casa de horrores tanto del pasado como del presente. "La Casa de las Lenguas".
Una historia interesante con un ritmo bueno y escenas de escalofríos. Narrado a dos tiempo entre pasado y presente.
Espeluznante y atmosférico desde el principio. Dashner crea un elenco de personajes con un cierto desorden.
Desde la loca familia Gaskins que me ha parecido que sale de las entrañas de una familia de culto de la matanza de texas pasando por el protagonista, David, atormentado y traumatizado por su pasado, definitivamente te mantienen ocupado tratando de descubrir qué está pasando.
Disfruté del libro más de lo que esperaba. Iba sin expectativas.
Ideas originales, buen trasfondo, personajes adecuados y una buena dosis de horror.
El estilo de narrar del autor me tomó un tiempo para acostumbrarme. Sobretodo al principio, es muy particular, terminó gustándome.
Incluso disfruté de cómo se fue desarrollando todo siguiendo al personaje principal desde dos líneas de tiempo que al principio me daba la sensación de incordiar y quitarme de una parte para meterme en otra pero conforme avanza las dos líneas se vuelven muy entretenidas.
Una cantidad interesante de misterio junto con una cantidad aceptable de violencia, gore y caos hacen de la casa de las lenguas sea una lectura recomendable sin echar cohetes para cualquier lector de thriller o terror..✍️
April 26, 2024
I don't know what to feel about this book it's really confusing and creepy at the same time.
I mean obviously I like it. I read it in less than a day (I know less than a day!! I'm surprised as well)
I mean obviously I like it. I read it in less than a day (I know less than a day!! I'm surprised as well)
March 18, 2022
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
The House Of Tongues by James Dashner is perfect!
I loved every sentence of it.
If you love Stephen King’s stories, read this!! It’s the same atmosphere that you have in a good SK story.
This book is awesome!!
I highly recommend it!!
Narration 5/5
The House Of Tongues by James Dashner is perfect!
I loved every sentence of it.
If you love Stephen King’s stories, read this!! It’s the same atmosphere that you have in a good SK story.
This book is awesome!!
I highly recommend it!!
January 11, 2022
David Player has spent 30 years trying to forget the traumas of his childhood. The threats, the kidnappings, the murders. The imagined curses of a people born centuries earlier, passed from father to son, mother to daughter, generation to generation. Its climax came in human form, a monster of a man, one of the most notorious serial killers the nation has ever seen: Pee Wee Gaskins. And Gaskins had a particular hatred for the Player family, then for David, himself, who barely escaped those years with his own life intact.
Now David is back, his four children in tow, visiting his parents’ home, a place he has learned to cherish despite the evils that haunted his younger days. But no sooner does he return than a stranger visits their doorstep, the son of Pee Wee Gaskins. In a terrifying display, right in front of the kids, the man utters threats until he chokes on his own tongue, sparking a series of events that drag David and his family back into the days of curses and murders, onto a path of unimaginable terror, all too familiar.
That path leads to an old gothic tower in the woods, a place David had blocked from his memory, a house of horrors both past and present,The House of Tongues.
Wow this was definitely a change of pace for Dashner… but I like it!
Creepy and atmospheric from the start Dashner creates a cast of characters with their own special brand of messed up! From the crazy Gaskins family who feel like they have stepped right out of some old school Texas Chainsaw Massacre cult family to the protagonist David who is tormented and traumatised by his past, you are definitely kept busy trying to figure out just what is going on and who will be next’!
The perfect amount of mystery coupled with the right amount of violence, gore and mayhem makes The House of Tongues a perfect read for any horror or crime fiction fan. Not for the faint hearted though!
Now David is back, his four children in tow, visiting his parents’ home, a place he has learned to cherish despite the evils that haunted his younger days. But no sooner does he return than a stranger visits their doorstep, the son of Pee Wee Gaskins. In a terrifying display, right in front of the kids, the man utters threats until he chokes on his own tongue, sparking a series of events that drag David and his family back into the days of curses and murders, onto a path of unimaginable terror, all too familiar.
That path leads to an old gothic tower in the woods, a place David had blocked from his memory, a house of horrors both past and present,The House of Tongues.
Wow this was definitely a change of pace for Dashner… but I like it!
Creepy and atmospheric from the start Dashner creates a cast of characters with their own special brand of messed up! From the crazy Gaskins family who feel like they have stepped right out of some old school Texas Chainsaw Massacre cult family to the protagonist David who is tormented and traumatised by his past, you are definitely kept busy trying to figure out just what is going on and who will be next’!
The perfect amount of mystery coupled with the right amount of violence, gore and mayhem makes The House of Tongues a perfect read for any horror or crime fiction fan. Not for the faint hearted though!
November 2, 2021
This is a dark, gruesome horror novel told in dual timelines by the narrator David. He's been through more trauma than anyone can imagine, both as a teenager in the eighties and again as an adult in 2017. A serial killer stalked David and he was lucky to make it out alive but when he goes back to his hometown with his children, he and his sixteen year old son are targets once again.
I did think was an interesting story, with pretty good pacing and plenty of scary scenes. Some parts were a bit too gross for me and I wouldn't recommend trying to eat while reading. I also thought the explanation for why people were being killed and why David was a target was really odd and didn't make a lot of sense to me. I also thought the ending would go in another direction and I can't say I totally understand the whole thing.
The narrator has a great southern accent and brings the character of David to life. If you're looking for a dark horror novel and aren't squeamish, this might be a story for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the copy.
I did think was an interesting story, with pretty good pacing and plenty of scary scenes. Some parts were a bit too gross for me and I wouldn't recommend trying to eat while reading. I also thought the explanation for why people were being killed and why David was a target was really odd and didn't make a lot of sense to me. I also thought the ending would go in another direction and I can't say I totally understand the whole thing.
The narrator has a great southern accent and brings the character of David to life. If you're looking for a dark horror novel and aren't squeamish, this might be a story for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the copy.
January 30, 2023
No sé por qué ha narrado el libro de esta manera tan absurdamente complicada y confusa, pero es imposible centrarse en la historia cuando hace unos cortes y saltos en el tiempo tan raros y aleatorios.
Además, dada la situación actual del autor con el tema de las acusaciones que pesan sobre sus hombros, se me hizo bastante raro y cringe leer el siguiente párrafo que mete gratuitamente al inicio del libro. Es el siguiente:
“En el mundo hay personas -puede que incluso tu, que estas leyendo mi historia- que creen que todo ese rollo de que “Fulanito o Menganita me esta tocando” es un topico sin fundamento. Si no hay ningun otro hecho que consideres cierto en mi relato, este es tan fiable como la gravedad: si tienes una criatura y esta sentada cerca de otra criatura, es tan seguro como que la Tierra gira que una de las criaturas tocara a la otra, tras lo cual la criatura agraviada le dejara claro a cualquier adulto que pueda oirla que se ha sentido muy ofendida por dicho contacto. Creo que ya he comentado antes que los niños son tontos,¿no?”
Osea WTF James Dashner???
Además, dada la situación actual del autor con el tema de las acusaciones que pesan sobre sus hombros, se me hizo bastante raro y cringe leer el siguiente párrafo que mete gratuitamente al inicio del libro. Es el siguiente:
“En el mundo hay personas -puede que incluso tu, que estas leyendo mi historia- que creen que todo ese rollo de que “Fulanito o Menganita me esta tocando” es un topico sin fundamento. Si no hay ningun otro hecho que consideres cierto en mi relato, este es tan fiable como la gravedad: si tienes una criatura y esta sentada cerca de otra criatura, es tan seguro como que la Tierra gira que una de las criaturas tocara a la otra, tras lo cual la criatura agraviada le dejara claro a cualquier adulto que pueda oirla que se ha sentido muy ofendida por dicho contacto. Creo que ya he comentado antes que los niños son tontos,¿no?”
Osea WTF James Dashner???
January 6, 2022
While this dual timeline story was interesting, I spent a lot of the novel waiting to find out why our main character, David, was the focus of such horrific activities both in the past and now in the present.
Sadly the explanation for why David and his family are/were targeted and why there was so much bloodshed, didn't make a whole lot of sense. I went back over the explanations a few times, and must admit the big disturbing reveal truly lost me. Not in a Stephen King "the ending fizzled out" kind of way, but more a "what does that even mean?" mess.
The narration by Malcolm Hillgartner was surprisingly good, though the Southern accent kind of came and went throughout the story. I haven't heard his narration before, but I would confidently pick up another book narrated by him and know it would be professionally done.
I received a copy of this audiobook production from Tantor Audio through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly the explanation for why David and his family are/were targeted and why there was so much bloodshed, didn't make a whole lot of sense. I went back over the explanations a few times, and must admit the big disturbing reveal truly lost me. Not in a Stephen King "the ending fizzled out" kind of way, but more a "what does that even mean?" mess.
The narration by Malcolm Hillgartner was surprisingly good, though the Southern accent kind of came and went throughout the story. I haven't heard his narration before, but I would confidently pick up another book narrated by him and know it would be professionally done.
I received a copy of this audiobook production from Tantor Audio through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2021
I've read and enjoyed some of James Dashner's popular earlier novels, but now his newest, THE HOUSE OF TONGUES, is truly in a class by itself. The writing is excellent, the characters are metaphorically flayed to their core [by which I reference that not only can't they conceal themselves from author or reader, they cannot hide from themselves].
THE HOUSE OF TONGUES is extreme, make no mistake. The novel is gore-suffused, but not without cause. What also suffuses it is puzzles and a wagon load of "Why?!!" throughout the novel as protagonists, accompanied by readers, struggle to discover both what, why, and later also who, and the rationale is incredibly bizarre, yet in context, somehow logical. Read and see!!
THE HOUSE OF TONGUES is extreme, make no mistake. The novel is gore-suffused, but not without cause. What also suffuses it is puzzles and a wagon load of "Why?!!" throughout the novel as protagonists, accompanied by readers, struggle to discover both what, why, and later also who, and the rationale is incredibly bizarre, yet in context, somehow logical. Read and see!!
March 10, 2022
TW: Murder, gory scenes, child death, toxic relationships
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:David Player has spent 30 years trying to forget the traumas of his childhood. The threats, the kidnappings, the murders. The imagined curses of a people born centuries earlier, passed from father to son, mother to daughter, generation to generation. Its climax came in human form, a monster of a man, one of the most notorious serial killers the nation has ever seen: Pee Wee Gaskins. And Gaskins had a particular hatred for the Player family, then for David, himself, who barely escaped those years with his own life intact.Now David is back, his four children in tow, visiting his parents' home, a place he has learned to cherish despite the evils that haunted his younger days. But no sooner does he return than a stranger visits their doorstep, the son of Pee Wee Gaskins. In a terrifying display, right in front of the kids, the man utters threats until he chokes on his own tongue, sparking a series of events that drag David and his family back into the days of curses and murders, onto a path of unimaginable terror, all too familiar.That path leads to an old gothic tower in the woods, a place David had blocked from his memory, a house of horrors both past and present. The House of Tongues.
Release Date: 10/29/2021
Genre: Horror
Pages: 301
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3. 5)
What I Liked:
• This book is creepy
• Keeps you on your toes
• The writing is really good
What I Didn't Like:
• Some parts kind of dragged
• The newspaper lady
• The ending
• The author was gulity of sexual harassment
Overall Thoughts: This book creeped me out so much. The story is written in a way I felt was easy to follow the plot and go with the characters as they learn and find out stuff.
Usually I have issues with teens in books but these teens were pretty okay.
I am shocked that the dude who The Maze Runner could pull this out of his brain. I am impressed!
It is a little weird how okay this town seems about a murderer running around and murdering people. There is an episode of Married With Children about a killer that bumps off tourist in the motel and the people are okay with. That's what this reminds me of.
There's even a cop killed outside the house and they just play Monopoly inside like it's nothing. It's ridiculous.
Final Thoughts: If you like My Bloody Valentine or The Town That Dreaded Sundown you should read this. There were seriously moments where I was freaked out.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:David Player has spent 30 years trying to forget the traumas of his childhood. The threats, the kidnappings, the murders. The imagined curses of a people born centuries earlier, passed from father to son, mother to daughter, generation to generation. Its climax came in human form, a monster of a man, one of the most notorious serial killers the nation has ever seen: Pee Wee Gaskins. And Gaskins had a particular hatred for the Player family, then for David, himself, who barely escaped those years with his own life intact.Now David is back, his four children in tow, visiting his parents' home, a place he has learned to cherish despite the evils that haunted his younger days. But no sooner does he return than a stranger visits their doorstep, the son of Pee Wee Gaskins. In a terrifying display, right in front of the kids, the man utters threats until he chokes on his own tongue, sparking a series of events that drag David and his family back into the days of curses and murders, onto a path of unimaginable terror, all too familiar.That path leads to an old gothic tower in the woods, a place David had blocked from his memory, a house of horrors both past and present. The House of Tongues.
Release Date: 10/29/2021
Genre: Horror
Pages: 301
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3. 5)
What I Liked:
• This book is creepy
• Keeps you on your toes
• The writing is really good
What I Didn't Like:
• Some parts kind of dragged
• The newspaper lady
• The ending
• The author was gulity of sexual harassment
Overall Thoughts: This book creeped me out so much. The story is written in a way I felt was easy to follow the plot and go with the characters as they learn and find out stuff.
Usually I have issues with teens in books but these teens were pretty okay.
I am shocked that the dude who The Maze Runner could pull this out of his brain. I am impressed!
It is a little weird how okay this town seems about a murderer running around and murdering people. There is an episode of Married With Children about a killer that bumps off tourist in the motel and the people are okay with. That's what this reminds me of.
There's even a cop killed outside the house and they just play Monopoly inside like it's nothing. It's ridiculous.
Final Thoughts: If you like My Bloody Valentine or The Town That Dreaded Sundown you should read this. There were seriously moments where I was freaked out.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2022
A while back, a dear friend sent me a message, asking if I’d be interested in reviewing The House of Tongues. Upon reading the synopsis, I signed up and, within minutes, I was approved. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of the BookSirens review team. My opinions are my own.
http://www.booksirens.com
In my life, I’ve felt the presence of true darkness, of evil, of things that have haunted and will continue to haunt me until I take my very last breath. But at the top of the list, far ahead of whatever may come in second place, was the feeling I got in that room, in that moment, looking at those shelves, stocked with sealed, dusty mason jars.
I hadn’t read anything by James Dashner before. Without experiencing the excitement that was The Maze Runner series a few years ago (of which this Georgia native is most known for,) I obviously couldn’t have known what his writing style was like or whether his books tended to be character or plot-driven. Judging from the little that I knew of the aforementioned YA series, I would’ve assumed the latter. But I digress. My point is, I wish I could’ve gone into this one completely blind. I’ve never done that with a novel before, and I think it would be an interesting experiment. Thankfully, I did dive in as blind as I could, by which I mean that I read the premise in late December and didn’t read it again. By that time, I only remembered the basic gist of it.
I was consistently surprised by the simplicity of Dashner’s prose, and how easy it was to understand. The chapters were short, and the longer ones were divided into multiple scenes or sections, which made for quick reading. The chapters themselves ended in one form of cliffhanger or another, thus propelling the dual timelines forward. Not that he was the first to tell his story that way, but I thought that was smart and perhaps the best method of writing a story of this magnitude. And unlike many novels with alternating timelines, neither one ever felt more urgent or captivating. They were equally interesting, and I think that’s a hard thing to pull off. They were also concise, with minimally wasted words. I was never bored. As a result, the plot evolved into something truly unexpected; something unapologetically bizarre, twisted, and dark. Make no mistake about it: The House of Tongues is not for the fainthearted. There was a lot of graphic violence and gore. Especially towards the end, there were several scenes that were extreme horror.
Given that one of the recurring themes was childhood trauma, it’s only natural to anticipate repressed memories. The two are virtually synonymous, so please keep that in mind if you’re considering purchasing this book. It was not the easiest story to get through, but Dashner’s characters made it a little easier. I found myself relating to the two protagonists, David Player and his best friend, Andrea Llerenas. The fact that I recognized a lot of myself in them (even though I didn’t experience the same trauma as them,) significantly surprised me. Another aspect that surprised me was how Dashner handled said trauma and their subsequent repressed memories. It astounded me, really, because a lot of the time in fiction, those horrors tend to come back suddenly, and are unlocked in a matter of minutes. Fact check: real life doesn’t work that way. They usually come back by being triggered by certain smells, touch, or other senses. The mind associates one thing in the present with the past. And though The House of Tongues was told in alternating chapters and the reader couldn’t have been privy to David and Andrea’s past, you see in the future David slowly acknowledging and then processing his past. This works exceptionally well because it’s grounded in reality--in science-- and because the novel itself serves as David’s personal writing. The only other book that I can think of that dealt with similar content, and that represented the subsequent trauma as accurately was Stephen King’s IT. There are many similarities between the two, actually. However, I don’t believe the latter to be a cheap knock-off of IT. On the contrary, the two are significantly different. If anything, I think Dasher went out of his way to create something which is clearly different and his own. I do think he was inspired by King, as well as other horror staples, such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and classic detective shows such as T.J. Hooker and The Andy Griffith Show.
Before I address setting and characters, I wanted to reflect on the quality of Dashner’s prose. It’s not the most elegant, memorable or thought-provoking, and I fully admit that there were instances of comma splices and awkward word choices throughout, which temporarily took me out of the story. There were also sentences or paragraphs which felt incomplete, or its fully potential unrealized. I fully acknowledge those, and I question how his editor and/or publisher let those slide. However, that’s neither here nor there. Those mistakes can be overlooked when you take a moment to reflect on the ease with which he writes, and most impressively, the crisp clarity of characters and the beautiful Southern scenery. He really excels in creating strong atmospheric elements, whether it’s dread, nostalgia, or familial bonds. Not only was it effortlessly easy to imagine, Dashner didn’t solely rely on visual stimulation; his prose was infused with all five senses.
They lived smack dab in the middle of nowhere, along a dusty, narrow lane—literally called Narrow Paved Road—that stretched like the world’s longest and straightest arrow across the farmlands of Lynchburg, South Carolina. Being the middle of summer, the black pavement of the infinite road shimmered with heat, the air above the lane practically boiling as we cut through it. Crops went past in their beautiful rows—the lines of white dirt flashing like an odd sort of strobe light as we sped by.
Throughout its pages, Dashner imbued Lynchburg with life. It was a lot of fun to spend time there, as well as getting to know a lot of its history. Many of the townsfolk were warm and welcoming, despite the unspoken truths they seemed to hold dear, as though the secrets they harbored were too dark or taboo to give power to. Lynchburg was a town best described as being a remnant of the 1950s, as evidenced by its perceived cobblestone streets and restaurants and other businesses directly from that era. Dashner nailed the setting beautifully. It’s been a long time since an author has transported me so completely and seamlessly. Every character that I can think of, even the supporting or side characters, were given quirks and interesting personalities that made them seem important, even though I knew they weren’t the main focus. They were relatable in ways that were completely unexpected. They were humanized in ways that matter. It’s so refreshing to read about side characters that aren’t flat; that the author clearly cared enough about to develop; character that defy the norm, who weren’t stereotypically Southern. Having said that, Dasher nailed the dialect. I could hear it in my head without it being over the top or not frequent enough.
David’s four children were given similarly distinct voices and quirks, and all were believable and adorable in their own ways. They felt very realistic to me, like kids you might see anywhere, and feel a certain likeability, authenticity, and trust about them. I appreciated the time and effort he put into them, as I did with most of the characters. What’s more, Dashner gave his progeny cultural diversity (Wesley, Hazel, Mason and Logan,) as three of the four were adapted from around the world.
The deeper I got into the mystery, the more I came to like and appreciate James Dashner as a writer. I couldn’t put it down. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about what I’d read. And when I wasn’t doing that, I was eager for the next day, when I could read more.
We were walking along the old abandoned train tracks, their long rails still straight if not a little rusted and worse for wear. Every good thing that comes with the end of winter and the onset of spring was in full view around us. Oak trees and birches and maples dressed themselves with green leaves, taking some of the glory back from the pines that had stood their ground through the cold months. The undergrowth of the forest was alive again, the bushes and vines and weeds filling in those lonely, wintry gaps, making the whole place seem crowded and happy. There were even flowers peeking out, some reds and blues, but mostly yellows at this early stage. It all smelled fresh and vibrant, somehow made all the stronger by the constant hum of insects, a buzzy roar that becomes its own kind of silence.
There were, however, two predictable outcomes, one of which could’ve only gone another way if the antagonist had made a completely different choice. Given said the decision, the story almost HAD to go in the direction it did. The other involves David’s father, Edgar. If you’re read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Not only did I see it coming fairly early on, but I do not understand his logic—his cold, selfish, calculating logic. Another critique I have happened around the halfway point, where once again, the story veered another way, and I struggle to believe that such a scenario would be sanctioned by the police, let alone the individual’s parents. At the same time though, Dashner basically made up for it with some of the best action sequences I’ve probably ever read, and by the sense of realism conveyed. And the mounting dread and suspense and unflinching violence. It was incredible, unlike anything I’ve read or seen depicted on film. I can actually see it as a potentially great film adaptation.
The primary question I had from the start, and which the author managed to hold onto until the end was the motive behind the Gaskins’ actions. Why did he/they do the awful things they did? Given that we’re learning alongside David, I think the way that he rediscovered the Big Reveal was decent. It certainly was interesting and wholly unexpected. It would’ve been fine if there was more substance to the actual exposition. Instead--and this might come across as a little harsh, but I must be real-- in just a few sentences, he gave a dumbed down explanation that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Correction: if you’re able to suspend disbelief, I suppose it could work. It just doesn’t work for me. And look, I get it. It’s a very bizarre, taboo subject matter and trust me, I appreciate the author for not going the typical route. He took a big risk and for a lot of readers, I’m not sure it will pay off. With an explanation that’s reminiscent of The X-Files, additional information is required. I also get that with horror, too much insight often takes the mystery out of the proverbial monster and renders it unscary. I appreciate that sentiment entirely. Yet, I think something more could’ve been done with it that wouldn’t have demystified the horror; that could’ve, in fact, elevated the history and the supernatural horror. For instance, it might have worked very effectively if the author had planted subtle clues throughout the book, ones that could’ve lent it an unequivocal clarity upon deep refection, or even an epiphany moment during subsequent rereads. I would’ve liked something like that much better. Speaking personally, that type of ending would’ve been satisfying.
In hindsight, it has occurred to be just how difficult it is to write an ending that can somehow satisfy most readers. Like tastes in books, endings can be incredibly subjective and hard to nail down. Stephen King is a prime example. People complain and criticize his endings all the time, and full disclosure, they don’t always work for me, either. For the most part, though, they do.
In closing, The House of Tongues explored the grim realities of fanaticism, childhood trauma and how it helps shapes the individual, mental illness, religious persecution, and the bonds we form with another. Sometimes they’re familial, other times they’re romantic. And sometimes, they can be downright horrific. Whatever they may be, despite the intention of the individual, every one of them speaks abundantly about humanity. What does it mean to be human? How do you define the human condition? Are we subject to the sins of the fathers? If so, should we be judged by their transgressions? Why should we be held accountable? Does free will come into play any more, or are we all guilty by association? Are the philosophies of destiny or fate more relevant?
Thank you to the author, his publisher, to BookSirens, and to you, dear friend. It’s been delightful.
December 29, 2021
The House of Tongues by James Dashner is a horror novel.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Riverdale Avenue Books (Afraid) and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
David Player is 44 years old, and his wife passed away two years ago. He is raising his four children on his own. Although three of them are adopted, they are a very close family.
Deciding to visit his parents may be the worst mistake he has made in ages. What starts out as an exciting family trip, turns into the vacation from hell. For his memories of events which occurred when he was 16 have left him, but when a stranger knocks on the door, the flood gates start to open. The son of a notorious serial killer has come to call, and he intends to make sure that David and his family play his game.
Soon David will remember everything, and will have to fight to protect his family from a curse that has been passed down for 200 years. It will eventually lead to an old tower in the woods, a place that David had not thought of in many years. The House of Tongues.
My Opinions:
I believe this is the first adult-based novel from this author, although he has had a lot of success with his Y/A Maze-Runner series (which I also enjoyed).
This was very good. It held my interest from start to finish, as it was not just horror, but an entertaining mystery woven in. The story is told through David's eyes only, and in two time-lines, one when David is 16, and one when he is 44. The two time-lines somewhat mimic each other.
Yes, there was blood and gore, and yes, it was a little unbelievable, but....it is a horror novel, after all. I loved the plot, and it was a fast and easy read.
I also loved the characters. David, Andrea, and the kids were all likeable, and relatable. The bad guys (even the one that wasn't supposed to be), were all clearly defined. There were no real surprises there.
James Dashner has just proven he can write adult-based books as well as his best-selling YA books.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author contact information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 22, 2021
If someone would of told me that the author of the Maze Runner wrote a horror story about a serial killer taking place in Sumter, SC, I’d say, no way!
But low and behold that’s exactly what he did. I had to listen to the beginning again because I just couldn’t believe it. I lived, loved and raised my children there.
This novel is told in dual timelines that will intersect with the conclusion. James Dashner writes likable, relatable characters that will face a monster of horror.
I really enjoyed the writing and loved Malcolm Hillgartner as the narrator. I chose to listen to this book on audio and it was 12 hours and 22 minutes long.
Thanks Tantor Audio via Netgalley.
But low and behold that’s exactly what he did. I had to listen to the beginning again because I just couldn’t believe it. I lived, loved and raised my children there.
This novel is told in dual timelines that will intersect with the conclusion. James Dashner writes likable, relatable characters that will face a monster of horror.
I really enjoyed the writing and loved Malcolm Hillgartner as the narrator. I chose to listen to this book on audio and it was 12 hours and 22 minutes long.
Thanks Tantor Audio via Netgalley.
May 11, 2022
I received an advance review copy of this book for free via Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to! While the writing style took some getting used to in the beginning, it grew on me towards the end. I enjoyed how everything unfolded by following the main character from two separate timelines. Not having read a lot of horror before, I think this was mild enough that I didn't get too scared especially since I could see clearly what devices the author used to evoke fear or disgust. I found this to be a page-turner, and the resolution, despite leaving many things unanswered, was somewhat satisfying.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to! While the writing style took some getting used to in the beginning, it grew on me towards the end. I enjoyed how everything unfolded by following the main character from two separate timelines. Not having read a lot of horror before, I think this was mild enough that I didn't get too scared especially since I could see clearly what devices the author used to evoke fear or disgust. I found this to be a page-turner, and the resolution, despite leaving many things unanswered, was somewhat satisfying.
October 22, 2021
You'll know Dashner's name mostly from The Maze Runner series, which I enjoyed.. but the series that is still my favorite is The Mortality Doctrine and I HIGHLY recommend this trilogy - especially for those who loved Ready Player One. Anyhoooooooooooo....
When I saw THE HOUSE OF TONGUES was available through NetGalley and is only available on audio, I was SO happy that I finally could listen to audiobooks and thrilled to see something new by Dashner and boy does he deliver!!! And the narrator, Malcolm Hillgartner is AMAZING and truly brings this story to life.
Told through David Partner's eyes only, we go back and forth from 1989 to 2017 in South Carolina where at a young age he comes eye to eye with a killer and makes a decision he has to deal with for the rest of his life. Fast forward, he's in his 40s with kids of his own. The past has come to haunt him and he will do whatever he has to to protect his own. Little does he know, there are some things you just cannot run from and some secrets you wish you never knew.
Y'all!!! I can't express how much I LOVE the way this author writes. Riddled with levity and family love - you can just feel how much he loves his children and he reminded me of my Dad with his humor and ways of showing his love. I especially love his relationship with his best friend, Andrea. AND the story behind the story... well, somehow I was NOT expecting that but I was here for it!
You just can't seem to go wrong with anything by this author. Go snag a copy ASAP!
When I saw THE HOUSE OF TONGUES was available through NetGalley and is only available on audio, I was SO happy that I finally could listen to audiobooks and thrilled to see something new by Dashner and boy does he deliver!!! And the narrator, Malcolm Hillgartner is AMAZING and truly brings this story to life.
Told through David Partner's eyes only, we go back and forth from 1989 to 2017 in South Carolina where at a young age he comes eye to eye with a killer and makes a decision he has to deal with for the rest of his life. Fast forward, he's in his 40s with kids of his own. The past has come to haunt him and he will do whatever he has to to protect his own. Little does he know, there are some things you just cannot run from and some secrets you wish you never knew.
Y'all!!! I can't express how much I LOVE the way this author writes. Riddled with levity and family love - you can just feel how much he loves his children and he reminded me of my Dad with his humor and ways of showing his love. I especially love his relationship with his best friend, Andrea. AND the story behind the story... well, somehow I was NOT expecting that but I was here for it!
You just can't seem to go wrong with anything by this author. Go snag a copy ASAP!
November 11, 2024
This was such a tough story for me. On one part, the mystery was interesting and the curse kept me wondering what would happen next. But it felt long, drawn out. I didn't love all the flashbacks - many felt unnecessary. It drug down the story and the middle felt really slow as the plot was built brick by brick.
I ended up flipping this one to an audiobook and I loved the narrator. He did a great job of giving extra nuance to the story and I'm so glad I flipped it! And I did like the ending - as we stopped flashing back and everything finally came together in a heart-racing conclusion.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I ended up flipping this one to an audiobook and I loved the narrator. He did a great job of giving extra nuance to the story and I'm so glad I flipped it! And I did like the ending - as we stopped flashing back and everything finally came together in a heart-racing conclusion.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 3, 2022
In The House of Tongues, Maze Runner author James Dashner brings us a gruesome horror story for adults.
And it is definitely a dark tale. Told in two timelines, Dashner weaves a tale of a small town beset by horrific murders and a twisted family legacy that continues to haunt it.
I did find myself primarily interested in the more current timeline, but the older was relevant and definitely served to add to both the atmosphere and the horror of the book. I was deeply invested in our current little family and was hoping against hope that they would all survive.
The surprise…wasn’t a surprise. I won’t say more than that – just that it was anticlimactic for me.
However, I did enjoy the book. The author brought me firmly into his world and didn’t let me go until the end!
• ARC via Publisher
And it is definitely a dark tale. Told in two timelines, Dashner weaves a tale of a small town beset by horrific murders and a twisted family legacy that continues to haunt it.
I did find myself primarily interested in the more current timeline, but the older was relevant and definitely served to add to both the atmosphere and the horror of the book. I was deeply invested in our current little family and was hoping against hope that they would all survive.
The surprise…wasn’t a surprise. I won’t say more than that – just that it was anticlimactic for me.
However, I did enjoy the book. The author brought me firmly into his world and didn’t let me go until the end!
• ARC via Publisher
October 28, 2021
Pure fingers crawling up my spine creepy. I will never look at a shopping bag the same.
This is a really great story. The narrator is amazing. The emotional expression he vocalized really makes it feel like he's telling his personal story.
It really was a hard story to stop listening to. It was dramatic, non-stop suspense and lunatic in the swamp spooky.
I was walking my dog through the swamp while I was listening to this, hahaha. What a way to give a story ambiance!!!
This is a good time of year for this story. Highly recommended.
I received this audiobook ARC from #RB Media and #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a really great story. The narrator is amazing. The emotional expression he vocalized really makes it feel like he's telling his personal story.
It really was a hard story to stop listening to. It was dramatic, non-stop suspense and lunatic in the swamp spooky.
I was walking my dog through the swamp while I was listening to this, hahaha. What a way to give a story ambiance!!!
This is a good time of year for this story. Highly recommended.
I received this audiobook ARC from #RB Media and #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 29, 2021
An horror story, Stephen King's kind of creepiness.
A serial killed.
Beheading people.
Tongues.
Curses.
Puritans.
Two friends David and Andrea witnessed a serial killer beheading his victim when they were sixteen years old, and their lives could never be the same.
Twenty eight years later the horrors of the past come back, after David return with his four kids for a vacation, his sixteen years old son found himself in the middle of the killings, and the curses..
The story is told by the old David alternating between the two time tables.
P.S. I received this audiobook thank to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of a review.
A serial killed.
Beheading people.
Tongues.
Curses.
Puritans.
Two friends David and Andrea witnessed a serial killer beheading his victim when they were sixteen years old, and their lives could never be the same.
Twenty eight years later the horrors of the past come back, after David return with his four kids for a vacation, his sixteen years old son found himself in the middle of the killings, and the curses..
The story is told by the old David alternating between the two time tables.
P.S. I received this audiobook thank to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of a review.
November 28, 2021
Poorly written. He filled it with so much fluff...trying to make it have a "southern drawl". It was monotonous and hard to get through.
January 29, 2022
Why did I not see this advertised anywhere???
Yes yes I know there are lots of great books and stellar authors, books written that are not noticed, that are very deserving, and this is one of them!
THE James Dashner -Maze Runner author- how did this skip under the radar of popularity in the last couple months??! I DO NOT GET IT. I frequent Amazon, BAM, B&N, plus many many used book sites and stores and never heard a whisper of this new release. I'm kinda saddened for James because of the low coverage and number of reviews I saw posted some places (Hvnt checked Amazon yet but I'll add mine to there soon as well). At least many are four stars.
Anyways… Great book written, comparable to some good SK. This was creepy all the way through, thriller, suspenseful, turn on all the lights while your reading, dark, murderous, dead bodies, creepy shadows in the dark, decapitation, swampy locations, farmland hiding men with hidden identities, waking up not knowing how you got there, dark pasts, family secrets..the list goes on.
It goes between two timelines in the Life of David. One as a teen and then as a 40 something adult. I read it in two days because I just needed to know what the heck was going to happen next to the MC, Friend, family. I loved it. Other than the maze runner books I haven't read James D's other works but from my experience he does well in both the genre's of that series and this book. Keep it up and write some more dark creepy stuff Mr. D. I will gladly buy the books! Now to go hunt down more of his works I haven't read yet.
I received this arc of the book for free but am leaving this review voluntarily of my opinion on it.
Yes yes I know there are lots of great books and stellar authors, books written that are not noticed, that are very deserving, and this is one of them!
THE James Dashner -Maze Runner author- how did this skip under the radar of popularity in the last couple months??! I DO NOT GET IT. I frequent Amazon, BAM, B&N, plus many many used book sites and stores and never heard a whisper of this new release. I'm kinda saddened for James because of the low coverage and number of reviews I saw posted some places (Hvnt checked Amazon yet but I'll add mine to there soon as well). At least many are four stars.
Anyways… Great book written, comparable to some good SK. This was creepy all the way through, thriller, suspenseful, turn on all the lights while your reading, dark, murderous, dead bodies, creepy shadows in the dark, decapitation, swampy locations, farmland hiding men with hidden identities, waking up not knowing how you got there, dark pasts, family secrets..the list goes on.
It goes between two timelines in the Life of David. One as a teen and then as a 40 something adult. I read it in two days because I just needed to know what the heck was going to happen next to the MC, Friend, family. I loved it. Other than the maze runner books I haven't read James D's other works but from my experience he does well in both the genre's of that series and this book. Keep it up and write some more dark creepy stuff Mr. D. I will gladly buy the books! Now to go hunt down more of his works I haven't read yet.
I received this arc of the book for free but am leaving this review voluntarily of my opinion on it.
February 27, 2022
The House of Tongues is the story of David Player who was terrorized by a murderer as a teenager. Now 30 years later, he and his children are being sucked back into that lunacy. The past and present stories are told in alternating chapters and both stories are mesmerizing. David, his friend Andrea, and his children are likeable and you easily root for them. This book is chock-full of creepiness and horror. There is an explanation as to why this is all happening but I would have given 5 stars if there had been more details given. I wanted to know exactly what happened that set this madness in motion. It's the first book I've read by James Dashner but I am excited to read more.
Thanks to BookSirens and James Dashner, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to BookSirens and James Dashner, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2021
I had to sit with this one for a day or so after finishing it. It was creepy, unsettling, and disturbing. It was a difficult read, but for me that means it was well written. If I can get through a horror novel without going “…uh, ew” then it’s not great.
I know some people don’t like dual timeline stories, but it was easy to follow and keep separate in this book. Was also integral to the storyline, which I think is why it seems so unnecessary in other books.
NetGalley provided an audiobook copy, and I really enjoyed it. Malcolm Hillgartner is an excellent narrator, and really elevated the creepy.
So! Give this one a go if you’re not easily creeped out, because the real scary stuff in this book are the people.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an audiobook copy in exchange for a fair review
I know some people don’t like dual timeline stories, but it was easy to follow and keep separate in this book. Was also integral to the storyline, which I think is why it seems so unnecessary in other books.
NetGalley provided an audiobook copy, and I really enjoyed it. Malcolm Hillgartner is an excellent narrator, and really elevated the creepy.
So! Give this one a go if you’re not easily creeped out, because the real scary stuff in this book are the people.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an audiobook copy in exchange for a fair review
October 11, 2022
I don't know what to say. The book was well written, in a creepy kind of way, where you read the story and at the same time you see exactly what the athor want you to see. Scary setting for sure. Still I had a hard time to like the characters. Maybe that's normal with such books. In the beginning I needed time to get into that story, but the dual timeline was perfect for the tension. After a few pages I didn't want to put the book down.
January 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! It's a beautifully atmospheric horror/thriller set in South Carolina by the author of the Maze Runner - so it's elegantly and carefully constructed, while sending shivers down your spine at every turn.
When David Player was 17 years old, he and his best friend, Andrea, witnessed something terrible one day in the South Carolina woods. And that brief encounter with a local man named Pee Wee Gaskins turns into a living nightmare for the young teens, from which they barely emerge. More than 20 years later, David returns to visit his parents' home, this time with is own children, thinking the past is long behind him, when Pee Wee's son comes knocking. This sets a series of events into motion which reveals a longstanding family curse and the types of horrors one can usually only imagine in nightmares.
This story is told on two timelines: in the past, when David was 17 and his confrontation with Pee Wee Gaskins took place; and in the present when David finds himself revisited by his past.
This book really kept my attention from the very first pages. It's told in the tone of almost a legend or mythological tale, which adds a certain gravitas to it. I really thought that added to the creepy atmosphere. Obviously, the title is creepy enough in itself and evokes a certain macabre-ness, but honestly, I didn't find the story over "gross," in that there are police procedurals, thrillers, etc., which have scenes that are just as graphic, if not more so. I didn't find myself saying "Oh, too much," really at any point.
The bad guy(s) in this one are really bad. They're great as villains, seemingly always around and all-powerful, just perfect for a horror novel. There's some good twists in there that I really enjoyed, though I wish that the ending was explained just a little bit more. The "solution" was a little complex and it could've used some more context, I think. That was the one small flaw.
Overall, if you're a horror or thriller fan, pick this one up. You won't regret it. I really hope James Dashner does more in this genre!
When David Player was 17 years old, he and his best friend, Andrea, witnessed something terrible one day in the South Carolina woods. And that brief encounter with a local man named Pee Wee Gaskins turns into a living nightmare for the young teens, from which they barely emerge. More than 20 years later, David returns to visit his parents' home, this time with is own children, thinking the past is long behind him, when Pee Wee's son comes knocking. This sets a series of events into motion which reveals a longstanding family curse and the types of horrors one can usually only imagine in nightmares.
This story is told on two timelines: in the past, when David was 17 and his confrontation with Pee Wee Gaskins took place; and in the present when David finds himself revisited by his past.
This book really kept my attention from the very first pages. It's told in the tone of almost a legend or mythological tale, which adds a certain gravitas to it. I really thought that added to the creepy atmosphere. Obviously, the title is creepy enough in itself and evokes a certain macabre-ness, but honestly, I didn't find the story over "gross," in that there are police procedurals, thrillers, etc., which have scenes that are just as graphic, if not more so. I didn't find myself saying "Oh, too much," really at any point.
The bad guy(s) in this one are really bad. They're great as villains, seemingly always around and all-powerful, just perfect for a horror novel. There's some good twists in there that I really enjoyed, though I wish that the ending was explained just a little bit more. The "solution" was a little complex and it could've used some more context, I think. That was the one small flaw.
Overall, if you're a horror or thriller fan, pick this one up. You won't regret it. I really hope James Dashner does more in this genre!
November 21, 2021
House of Tongues is a thrill for the imagination. This book was written by the author of The Maze Runner…yes I said that correctly. chock full of serial killers, kidnappings, deep south traditions, and strong family bonds.
David is a widowed father of four just trying to keep his life going and keep his children happy and healthy. He has not only endured the loss of his beloved wife but has suffered so much trauma in his past that it’s a wonder he can get out of bed at all. Thirty years earlier as a teenager David and his best friend Andrea were tortured, kidnapped, and almost killed by an infamous now dead serial killer. Although he has worked through most of the events that happened he knows that something’s buried should always stay that way. When visiting his parents back in the small town where he grew up and all of his heinous memories occurred it seems that what was in the past has come back.
I really enjoyed this dual-time lined story, he has a way of developing these characters so well that I could imagine everything so perfectly. Each chapter jumping back and forth from his past horrors to the present ones. I loved the descriptions of the area where he lived as I have never visited the Carolina’s I was unfamiliar as to how swampy some areas actually were.
I will admit that it did take me a good while to get into the story, for some reason at the beginning I felt like it just jumped around so much I couldn’t tell what was always happening. Once things started to focus in and really get down to the business at hand I was hooked. I didn’t put it down from about 30% in until I had finished it. I love when stories are set up in a way that you just have to know what is going to happen to the characters. I can’t wait to recommend this book to my horror book fans and will definitely be quick to caution anyone on eating during the ending of this book :)
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
David is a widowed father of four just trying to keep his life going and keep his children happy and healthy. He has not only endured the loss of his beloved wife but has suffered so much trauma in his past that it’s a wonder he can get out of bed at all. Thirty years earlier as a teenager David and his best friend Andrea were tortured, kidnapped, and almost killed by an infamous now dead serial killer. Although he has worked through most of the events that happened he knows that something’s buried should always stay that way. When visiting his parents back in the small town where he grew up and all of his heinous memories occurred it seems that what was in the past has come back.
I really enjoyed this dual-time lined story, he has a way of developing these characters so well that I could imagine everything so perfectly. Each chapter jumping back and forth from his past horrors to the present ones. I loved the descriptions of the area where he lived as I have never visited the Carolina’s I was unfamiliar as to how swampy some areas actually were.
I will admit that it did take me a good while to get into the story, for some reason at the beginning I felt like it just jumped around so much I couldn’t tell what was always happening. Once things started to focus in and really get down to the business at hand I was hooked. I didn’t put it down from about 30% in until I had finished it. I love when stories are set up in a way that you just have to know what is going to happen to the characters. I can’t wait to recommend this book to my horror book fans and will definitely be quick to caution anyone on eating during the ending of this book :)
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2021
David Player has spent most of his life trying to forget the traumas of his childhood: Pee Wee Gaskins, an unstoppable serial killer, was obsessed with his family and with David in particular. 30 years after the son of Pee Wee seems to be just as obsessed and starts tormenting David's children. Why are the Gaskins so fixated with the Players? Who is behind all the murders?
It's been years since the last time I read anything written by James Dashner. If you don't know him, he's the author of the Maze Runner series, which I enjoyed, but The House of Tongues is something completely different. It's a proper horror story, with a creepy (very creepy) serial killer and lots of family secrets. The Maze Runner had its dark moments, but this novel is just on another level.
The story is quite interesting and with a good fast pace, it's easy to read and well written and I particularly appreciated how the tension grows while we get to know the events of David's childhood and current life in a dual timeline. Unfortunately there are a few major elements that are fundamental to the story that I didn't like or understand: I found the reason behind the murders and the history between the Players and the Gaskins a bit weird and didn't make much sense to me, it could have maybe worked if the novel was set 100 years ago but not in 2017. Also there's a revelation / plot twist that was quite predictable and therefore didn't surprise me much.
The House of Tongues is a good horror story, it's not perfect but I surely enjoyed it.
3 stars.
* I'd like to thank James Dashner, Riverdale Avenue Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It's been years since the last time I read anything written by James Dashner. If you don't know him, he's the author of the Maze Runner series, which I enjoyed, but The House of Tongues is something completely different. It's a proper horror story, with a creepy (very creepy) serial killer and lots of family secrets. The Maze Runner had its dark moments, but this novel is just on another level.
The story is quite interesting and with a good fast pace, it's easy to read and well written and I particularly appreciated how the tension grows while we get to know the events of David's childhood and current life in a dual timeline. Unfortunately there are a few major elements that are fundamental to the story that I didn't like or understand: I found the reason behind the murders and the history between the Players and the Gaskins a bit weird and didn't make much sense to me, it could have maybe worked if the novel was set 100 years ago but not in 2017. Also there's a revelation / plot twist that was quite predictable and therefore didn't surprise me much.
The House of Tongues is a good horror story, it's not perfect but I surely enjoyed it.
3 stars.
* I'd like to thank James Dashner, Riverdale Avenue Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2021
The House Of Tongues was such an amazingly gross, dark, and disturbing read. It exceeded any and every expectation I had. I must say, It's one of the best horror books that I've read all year with a mix of mystery within it. The House Of Tongues is written in a Dual timeline which was very refreshing to me since it was the first dual timeline book I've read in a while. Thank you Netgalley, Riverdale Avenue Books, and Author James Dashner for the opportunity to read The House Of Tongues in exchange for an honest review.
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